Thornhill Honored By National Football Foundation
11/26/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 26, 2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State senior linebacker Josh Thornhill has been selected as the recipient of the John S. Pingel Award by the Michigan Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. The Pingel Award, named in honor of former Spartan All-America halfback and National Football Foundation Hall of Famer from Mt. Clemens, Mich., includes a $1,000 postgraduate scholarship.
The selection is based upon the candidate's academic achievement, athletic ability and leadership qualities.
Thornhill, who carries a 3.35 grade-point average in kinesiology, has been named to the Verizon Academic All-District IV Team as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). His name now appears on the national ballot for the Academic All-America Team.
A Butkus Award semifinalist, Thornhill leads the Spartans in tackles with 118 (89 solos, 29 assists). He has reached double figures in tackles in his last eight starts, including a season-high 16 stops vs. Iowa. The Lansing, Mich., native leads the Spartan defense in production points with 197 and ranks second in tackles for losses with 13 for 25 yards.
The 6-foot-2, 239-pound middle linebacker has started 38 consecutive games and currently ranks fifth on MSU's all-time tackles chart with 385 career stops.
"It has been a privilege to coach Josh Thornhill because of his character and work ethic," Michigan State head coach Bobby Williams said. "Throughout his career at Michigan State, Josh has been a dedicated student in the classroom and a tireless worker on the football field. He embodies all of the great qualities of the student-athlete."
"It's a great honor to be named recipient of the Pingel Award by the Michigan Chapter of the National Football Foundation," Thornhill said. "I'm sure that there were many other deserving candidates. This award is special because it's named after a former Michigan State All-American and I appreciate the history of this football program.
"It hasn't always been easy but I have strived to excel both in the classroom and on the football field. I appreciate the opportunities that I've been presented here at Michigan State to pursue my goals both on and off the field."
Thornhill will be honored at an awards ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 5 in Warren, Mich.